Informa D&B reckons the value of exports of Portuguese wine rose to 806 million euros (about US$914 million) last year, 3.3 percent more than the year before, Lusa reports.

The Portuguese news agency, citing the results of a study done by the compiler of business information, says port accounted for about 40 percent of the value.

The report says EU countries bought 60 percent of Portuguese wine exports, Britain and France being the main markets in Europe. Important markets outside Europe included the United States, Brazil, Canada and Angola.

The Informa D&B study found that the average Portuguese winemaker employs just seven workers, and that two years ago only two Portuguese winemakers employed over 500, Lusa says.